COVID--Best Facemask for Indoor Tennis???

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Robert F

Hall of Fame
In Illinois we are allowed to play indoor tennis under current COVID restrictions. Since the late summer they were allowing doubles and no masks. With increasing cases governor added more restrictions. Fortunately, they didn't close down the clubs, but now only singles and facemasks must be worn with play.

I tried the UnderArmour sportsmask, tried a cloth mask for yoga/running by Athleta and today I tried just a disposable surgical mask.

If play is pretty slow, no major issue. Just getting adjusted, but with longer points in matches or in hitting sessions where we are just hitting (hence shorter rest periods), I find the inter point/ball recovery tougher. One day I was feeling a little dizzy. My guess is I'm blowing out CO2 and then sucking it back in.

All were OK, Athleta the worst, UA OK and maybe the surgical mask slightly better.
Just wondering if anyone else has found a mask that makes breathing a little easier.
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Yeah, the surgical mask was marginally better.
Obviously, I wouldn't wear a mask if I had a choice, but its either wear a mask or no tennis until it warms up or restrictions ease up. Current rates ain't going down in the US.
 
Nostradamus

Nostradamus

Bionic Poster
these are so good, i peed in my pants .

0170f5d5-700e-4ee4-a8bb-91e426c6e63c.jpg
 
TagUrIt

TagUrIt

Hall of Fame
I had the same choice to make and I decided that I wanted to play tennis. No, it’s not remotely ideal to play tennis with a mask on. I tried a few different types of masks and the Mission Adjustable Gaiter works best for me. The reason I like because it's breathable and it's adjustable. Doesn't slide off you ears/face when you're playing. Now please keep in mind, this will NOT TO PROTECT YOU FROM COVID-19, this is strictly for following the guidelines/rules for playing tennis with a mask on. Also if you want I can send you my referral link to save you a few dollars.

MISSION_All-SeasonAdjustableGaiter-05.jpg
 
ezekiel114

ezekiel114

Semi-Pro
tried the UA facemask (https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Under_Armour_Sports_Mask/descpageUA-UASM.html)
i like this because there is a shell which doesn't collapse when i'm breathing. had some minor issues with the straps staying on my ear.
i've seen the Mission face masks and i wonder if they have a shell like UA because i like the straps to hold it on my face better.

tried one of other masks offered from TW (https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/So..._3_Pack_-_Bk_Nv_Gy/descpageMASOFI-SSAM3P.html) and although its nice, i couldn't breathe without them getting sucked into my nose/mouth. obviously YMMV and it is my personal experience.
 
kvan

kvan

Semi-Pro
I’ve found SLEEFS masks are the most comfortable and moisture-wicking out of the ones I’ve tried. No need to bring multiple masks with them, since the other kinds I’ve used get drenched.
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
Does the cloth of the SLEEFS stay away from the face or does it sometimes get pulled in?
Seems similar to the cloth mask I got from Athleta.
 
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kvan

kvan

Semi-Pro
Robert F said:
Does the cloth of the SLEEFS stay away from the face or does it sometimes get pulled in?
Seems similar to the cloth mask I got from Athleta.
Click to expand...

I have the basic black masks that I can’t find on the website now, but it doesn’t come with the noise bridge. It does get pulled in when breathing heavily, but feels and wicks sweat magnitudes better than other “sports” masks I’ve used. They’re made of a polyester material with an antimicrobial layer in between.
 
Sardines

Sardines

Hall of Fame
Filtered masks restrict airflow, so it's basically hypoxic training. Make sure you do not have any health issues before you go all out in a mask on court!
 
D

DanTheTennisMan

New User
I’ve had good success exercising with the outdoor research face cover. I can go 2+ sets with one mask, though it starts to get sweaty towards the end. I’ve tried several masks for running and exercise (e.g. adidas, UA, athlete) and found the outdoor research ones to be my favorite.

I’d probably recommend bringing another mask switch into if you need to go longer than an hour or more.

I have a big head and they fit me, but they also have adjustable ear straps and a good metal nose bridge, so fit much smaller faces too.

I also highly recommend using back of the head ear saver thingies. It can really help with reducing face muscle tension.
 
R

Robert F

Hall of Fame
DanTheTennisMan said:
I’ve had good success exercising with the outdoor research face cover. I can go 2+ sets with one mask, though it starts to get sweaty towards the end. I’ve tried several masks for running and exercise (e.g. adidas, UA, athlete) and found the outdoor research ones to be my favorite.

I’d probably recommend bringing another mask switch into if you need to go longer than an hour or more.

I have a big head and they fit me, but they also have adjustable ear straps and a good metal nose bridge, so fit much smaller faces too.

I also highly recommend using back of the head ear saver thingies. It can really help with reducing face muscle tension.
Click to expand...
Are you talking about the Adrenaline Sports mask or just their basic mask? Any issues with the filters?
 
loosegroove

loosegroove

Hall of Fame
Robert F said:
Are you talking about the Adrenaline Sports mask or just their basic mask? Any issues with the filters?
Click to expand...

I have the basic Outdoor Research mask, and my thoughts on it align with @DanTheTennisMan. It's high quality with nice materials, a long stiff wire so it actually seals at the nose, and adjustable ear loops. They should have created a pocket for the filter, as it can get bunched up or fall out of place if taking the mask on and off. You can get a pretty good fit though, actually a great fit relative to the majority of cloth masks out there (btw I have a pretty big head).
 
jangotango

jangotango

Semi-Pro
Now my youth may be coming into play, but I have no issues playing, working out, and practicing with a mask. My high school coach requires a face covering, no shield BS, for practices and matches. When it gets sweaty, sure it's kinda like what I imagine is waterboarding, but the absolute best thing you can do is bring more than 2 masks, and changing out when needed.
 
ScarletKnights

ScarletKnights

New User
ezekiel114 said:
tried the UA facemask (https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/Under_Armour_Sports_Mask/descpageUA-UASM.html)
i like this because there is a shell which doesn't collapse when i'm breathing. had some minor issues with the straps staying on my ear.
i've seen the Mission face masks and i wonder if they have a shell like UA because i like the straps to hold it on my face better.
Click to expand...
I use these and my biggest problem is also mask staying on ear. I tried using a beanie sort of a cap on top and it worked but not ideal really.
 
G

golden chicken

Hall of Fame
I picked up some RZ masks for work (I work as an auto tech, and sometimes my job is quite strenuous). They have exhalation valves and removable carbon filters. If you only cared about mask compliance, you could remove the filter and wear the mask by itself. It is structured, so you won't suck it to your mouth when breathing hard, and is a mesh fabric that doesn't trap too much moisture. They also sell exhalation valve caps so your breath has to go through the mask when that's required for wherever you're going. For tennis, I would get the M2.5 version with the thinner straps, and one that goes over your head so that it doesn't fall down in the middle of play.

I have tried the disposable surgical type, spandex neck gaiters, cotton homemade masks, and polyester wicking fabric type masks. RZ masks are by far the most comfortable to wear all day, with the polyester fabric ones next.

https://rzmask.com/collections/m2-5-mesh I am not affiliated with them, just immensely satisfied.
 
mmk

mmk

Hall of Fame
I've been using the Shock Doctor Play Safe mask. It has a split design that allows you to drink without taking the mask off. I haven't had any breathing problems with it, nor has my daughter who wears one for indoor field hockey.
 
Tmano

Tmano

Hall of Fame
Any cotton double layer mask would do it for you. I use the same mask for running and it's fine. I would not go with anything thicker.
 
n8dawg6

n8dawg6

Legend
those Pom masks are made of women’s bathing suit material. so you literally have a bathing suit strapped to your face
 
K

kingcheetah

Hall of Fame
Our club just implemented a mask requirement for anything but singles. I've got some of the tw "game set mask" ones, they seem to work well, I was hitting with some college players and didn't have breathing issues.
 
Tmano

Tmano

Hall of Fame
The only one mask that protects you close to 99% is the n95 used by health care providers. That protects you from getting the virus if in the air but do not protect other if you are sick in there is a exhaust went. If it does not have a went it protects others too.
Any mask 2, 3 layers and surgical and such masks protect you about 60% or less.
Playing with an N95 would be a little too much but as I wrote above, but a 2 layers mask that you can by on amazon are comfortable and provide some protection for you and others. Of course they are breathable otherwise you would suffocate :) even the N95 is breathable.
 
happyandbob

happyandbob

Legend
Robert F said:
Just wondering if anyone else has found a mask that makes breathing a little easier.
Click to expand...

My son plays HS travel soccer and tennis and all players must wear masks during the games/matches. He's a box-to-box midfielder so he's basically sprinting for most of the game. It took him a few games to get used to it, but now he says that he thinks the mask has actually helped his endurance -- kind of how cyclists and marathoners train with oxygen restricting masks.

I've gotten used to them too. Now that the weather is cold, we've had to head indoors for tennis and our club requires masks at all times. It's annoying, but you get used to it.

We get the cheap surgical masks from amazon
 
r2473

r2473

G.O.A.T.
golden chicken said:
I picked up some RZ masks for work (I work as an auto tech, and sometimes my job is quite strenuous). They have exhalation valves and removable carbon filters. If you only cared about mask compliance, you could remove the filter and wear the mask by itself. It is structured, so you won't suck it to your mouth when breathing hard, and is a mesh fabric that doesn't trap too much moisture. They also sell exhalation valve caps so your breath has to go through the mask when that's required for wherever you're going. For tennis, I would get the M2.5 version with the thinner straps, and one that goes over your head so that it doesn't fall down in the middle of play.

I have tried the disposable surgical type, spandex neck gaiters, cotton homemade masks, and polyester wicking fabric type masks. RZ masks are by far the most comfortable to wear all day, with the polyester fabric ones next.

https://rzmask.com/collections/m2-5-mesh I am not affiliated with them, just immensely satisfied.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tip. Just ordered one. I wear glasses. This looks like a winner!!!
 
Down_the_line

Down_the_line

Legend
Robert F said:
In Illinois we are allowed to play indoor tennis under current COVID restrictions. Since the late summer they were allowing doubles and no masks. With increasing cases governor added more restrictions. Fortunately, they didn't close down the clubs, but now only singles and facemasks must be worn with play.

I tried the UnderArmour sportsmask, tried a cloth mask for yoga/running by Athleta and today I tried just a disposable surgical mask.

If play is pretty slow, no major issue. Just getting adjusted, but with longer points in matches or in hitting sessions where we are just hitting (hence shorter rest periods), I find the inter point/ball recovery tougher. One day I was feeling a little dizzy. My guess is I'm blowing out CO2 and then sucking it back in.

All were OK, Athleta the worst, UA OK and maybe the surgical mask slightly better.
Just wondering if anyone else has found a mask that makes breathing a little easier.
Click to expand...
Wow.
 
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